Nigerian Police Torture 22-Year-Old to Death in Abuja After 8-Month Detention, Demanding Bribe from Family
Lawless operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, specifically from the Anti-Kidnapping unit in Kado, Abuja, have tortured 22-year-old Jacob Emmanuel to death after holding him in detention for eight months without trial. His body was later dumped in the morgue without informing his family.
Sources within the FCT command that Emmanuel was arrested in February 2024 in the Mpape area of Abuja, allegedly for stealing a television. Despite being detained without trial, his family was repeatedly denied access, while officers reportedly demanded a N200,000 bribe for his release.
Emmanuel’s mother, a widow, along with other distressed family members, filed several petitions to authorities, including the National Human Rights Commission and the Inspector-General of Police, seeking his release or trial. However, their pleas went unanswered as Emmanuel’s health deteriorated in custody.
In a recent update, a police source confirmed Emmanuel’s death, stating, “He was truly sick in custody, and we tried to save him.” His body was taken to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital.
The family, through lawyer U.M. Dakas, had written formal complaints, highlighting Emmanuel’s worsening condition and urging the police to either charge him or grant bail. Despite these efforts, the authorities ignored their requests, and the family was left in the dark about his fate.
Emmanuel’s arrest followed an attempt to extort money from his family. Police sources revealed that, despite recovering stolen property from the suspect, no charges were filed against the individuals who bought the stolen items. The family was repeatedly denied access, and Emmanuel’s condition continued to worsen in the notorious “Abattoir” detention facility.
A petition from the family’s lawyer to the police and other officials demands justice for Emmanuel, accusing the police of negligence, inhumane treatment, and torture. The family is now calling for an investigation and accountability from the police leadership, including the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police.
